Vols crack top group for 3-star Jordan Murphy

Is one of the Magnolia State's best pass catchers considering leaving his home state for Knoxville? Read about Jordan Murphy's interest in Tennessee.

Two are up top for the Magnolia State’s No. 2 wide receiver.

After spending time on Rocky Top and learning of a scholarship offer, Jordan Murphy has Tennessee in a two-way lead with LSU for his pass-catching services.

“My top 2 right now is LSU and Tennessee,” Murphy told InsideTennessee while competing for the Mississippi Grind at the Volunteer Classic 7v7 in Knoxville.

The Scout three-star prospect from the 2017 class got an up-close look at what Big Orange Country has to offer while competing not far from campus.

“First off, it’s the coaches,” Murphy said. “Then, they care about the academics and their importance. The facilities are nice, too.”

The buildings on Rocky Top themselves drew praise as well.

“It was nice,” Murphy said. “That’s the best school I’ve been to so far.”

Tennessee recruiting coordinator Robert Gillespie played at the same Hattiesburg (Miss.) High School at which Murphy plays. The scholarship offer news came from one Tiger to another.

“At first (Gillespie) had asked me who all were my offers. I named all five of them, then he said, ‘You forgot about Tennessee.’ So, I had a big smile on my face the rest of the day when he offered me.”

Danny Parker

The fourth-year Vols assistant already left an impression on the 6-foot, 175-pounder.

“(Gillespie)’s real cool. He’s a real cool coach. He likes to be around all the time,” said Murphy, who’s been in touch with Gillespie for roughly a month.

Mississippi State was the first Southeastern Conference school to offer the pass catcher. The opportunity to play in arguably the premier league in the land isn’t lost on Murphy, who has drawn comparisons for former Vols wideout Eric Parker.

“That means a lot because when I was smaller I never thought I would make it this far in football,” Murphy said.

Th Scout No. 26 wide receiver in the South described what makes him FBS worthy.

“They say that my strength is that I can go get the ball,” said the three-star, who looks up to Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones. “I go get the ball instead of the ball coming down to me.